2. Write a list of all the idioms, jokes, puns and other fun words that pertain to your story. For example, I wrote a manuscript called Ramio and Mooliet. Here is the list of wordplay I wrote for myself while drafting the story:

3. Pay attention to your plot and find wordplay that enhances the story you already have. When I wrote Ramio and Mooliet, I considered using the phrase “COW EYES” because Mooliet was a cow in love with Ramio and if she gave him cow eyes, there would be a fun double meaning.

BONUS TIP: Keep your wordplay consistent. One of my critique partners recently reminded me of this when she read one of my manuscripts and wrote: “Where’s the pun?” I had puns or wordplay in ALMOST every stanza of a story. Almost doesn’t cut it.

Here’s some wordplay from Ramio and Mooliet:

The sheep glared. “Why can’t you control your sister? You ruined our fence!”